Why One Bad Event Doesn’t Ruin Your Love for Conventions

So, I know we have all seen our fair share of great conventions and horrible ones. Some that never even make it to day-of and some we can’t wait to sign up for next year. Some that end up failing and some that end up showing us why we love the community. 

This has been one hell of a year for conventions. I personally have only attended one so far this year and can honestly say it was great. I will be headed to Spellbound in October as well. I have talked with friends about the conventions they have gone to this year and yeah there has been a dud or two, but honestly? I have heard great things about so many. 

Now, me being me, typically I go to events as a PA or as an influencer and yes this differs from regular attendees who go to these events. We have a few more expectations, which mind you I love and that’s why I keep doing it. 

For 2026, I already have a few events lined up (Shadows and Seductions, Kink and Ink, Book Harvest and hopefully more to come). I was even suppose to be an influencer for an event (IYKYK) but it recently had come out that the venue was not even booked!

This is what I mean by some of them not even getting to day-of, and sadly this sometimes can put a sour taste in our mouth. 

It could be your first convention, or your first time being an influencer, author, vendor, or even narrator… and if you find out the communication has been false and venue wasn’t booked even though tickets were sold, it can shake you and give you the ick. I get it. I really do.

BUT, not all events are like this. Most events make it to day-of, maybe have a hiccup or two but otherwise run so smoothly and make for some amazing memories. (Sometimes an event can even occur, it be a total shit-show, but because you are with your friends and still making great memories it’s worthwhile.)

Some conventions that I will continue to vouch for that I myself have attended are Sinners and Stardust, TN LitCon, Wild and Windy, AITBG and Rocking Romance Readers. 

Some conventions I will attend just based on the communication, attention to detail, and guide lines that have been set are Book Harvest, Spellbound in the Valley, Shadows and Seductions and Heathens and Heartbreakers. (And of course I’ll report back on each event as I attend too).

And even from word of mouth, from trusted friends and authors, I can vouch for Villains and Vixens, Monster Erotica Con, Sinful Signings, Books Gowns and Crowns, Fae or Bae, and Smut Lovers. 

All I am saying is, yes, there are a ton of book conventions and you can’t always be sure which ones are the right ones, but look to your friends, influencers you may know and even authors you love - they will let you know of events they find to stay top tier. 

Don’t let one bad event ruin the chance of you possibly having one of the greatest times ever.